Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez wants Bournemouth attacking midfielder David Brooks this summer to help strengthen his options next season, according to the Daily Star.
The newspaper claim on their website that the 21-year-old Cherries ace is joined by fellow teammate Ryan Fraser and Burnley winger Dwight McNeil as targets for the Spanish boss, who is preparing for a transfer window at St James’ Park despite having yet to pen a new contract, his current deal coming to an end this summer.
It is stated that 10-cap Wales international Brooks, who has been a revelation in the Premier League since his move, reported by the Bournemouth Echo to have cost an initial £10million, from Sheffield United in 2018, could be in line to replace the likes of Isaac Hayden and Jonjo Shelvey, who are both said to be likely to leave the Magpies.
Good move for Newcastle?
If Benitez can pull off a move for Brooks it would be one of the biggest coups for Newcastle in years.
The 21-year-old has been absolutely brilliant since joining the Cherries and his record of seven goals and five assists this season demonstrate just how much of an impact he has had on the south coast.
He is not only a creative spark or someone who can make something happen out of nothing – he also has a tremendous work ethic and when you consider what Benitez values in a player it should come as no surprise to see him linked with a move for the Bournemouth ace.
He might not be a direct replacement for Shelvey or Hayden, having played much of the season as a winger, but he would certainly bring a cutting edge that the Toon Army would love to see at St James’ Park.
This is Futbol rating: 9/10
Likely to happen?
Not in a month of Sundays – or at least, not while Mike Ashley is in charge of the Magpies’ piggy bank.
Brooks is a hugely ambitious target and while he might have cost a reasonable fee of £10million last summer, his price tag will have skyrocketed to a figure well outside what Newcastle are willing to spend.
Benitez is obviously looking to bolster his side with quality and Brooks ticks that box, but he is destined for a side with much more spending power.
This is Futbol rating: 2/10